The Rise of Kamala Harris: A natural progression

Kamala Harris's journey to the national spotlight might seem rapid to some, but it’s really the culmination of decades of hard work, smart decisions, and a relentless drive to serve the public. From her early days as a young prosecutor to becoming vice president, Harris’s career has followed a natural, even inevitable, progression. And now, with the 2024 election around the corner, she’s a heartbeat away from possibly becoming the first woman president of the United States.

Early Days: From Prosecutor to Trailblazer

Harris’s legal career began in Alameda County, California, where she worked as a deputy district attorney, handling everything from violent crimes to sexual assault cases. It was here that she earned a reputation as a sharp, tough-on-crime prosecutor with a passion for justice. Even in those early days, her work was marked by a deep commitment to fairness, and she quickly gained respect within the legal community (Medina and Smith).

Her first big leap came in 2004 when she was elected District Attorney of San Francisco. It was a significant moment, as Harris became the first woman and first Black woman to hold that office. During her time as DA, she introduced programs to reduce recidivism and created pathways for low-level offenders to turn their lives around. By offering first-time offenders the chance to avoid jail time through education and job training, Harris showed she was more than just a tough prosecutor—she was someone willing to fight for reform in a system that badly needed it (Medina and Smith).

Attorney General: Champion of Reform and Responsibility

Harris’s next big step came in 2010 when she was elected California’s Attorney General. Once again, she broke barriers as the first woman and the first person of color in that role. As AG, Harris tackled some of the most pressing issues facing the state—human trafficking, environmental crimes, and, most notably, the foreclosure crisis that devastated millions of homeowners after the 2008 financial crash. Her work in negotiating a $20 billion settlement for California homeowners is still regarded as a major win ("Kamala Harris’s Prosecutorial Record").

But Harris didn’t shy away from controversy. Some of her “tough on crime” policies, like cracking down on truancy, earned her criticism from progressives who felt she wasn’t doing enough to address systemic inequalities. Still, Harris struck a balance, focusing on reform where she could and pursuing justice where necessary. It was in this role that she truly started to gain national recognition for her ability to handle complex legal and political challenges.

The Senate: A Voice for Accountability

In 2016, Kamala Harris entered the U.S. Senate, representing California. Almost immediately, she became known for her incisive questioning and fearless presence in high-stakes hearings. Her prosecutor’s background was clear every time she grilled a witness during Senate hearings, especially during key moments like Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court confirmation. Those clips of her asking pointed, tough questions went viral, making her a household name and a force to be reckoned with in Washington (Merica).

During her time in the Senate, Harris championed causes that spoke to her roots in justice and reform. She co-sponsored the Green New Deal, fought for affordable healthcare, and was a vocal advocate for police reform. It was clear that her passion for public service hadn’t faded—it had only grown stronger.

Vice President: Breaking Barriers and Leading the Way

In 2020, Kamala Harris made history yet again. When Joe Biden selected her as his running mate, Harris became the first woman, the first Black woman, and the first person of South Asian descent to be elected vice president. Her election to the second-highest office in the land wasn’t just a victory for her—it was a victory for millions of Americans who saw in her a reflection of their own struggles and dreams ("Vice President Kamala Harris").

As vice president, Harris has been front and center on a number of key issues, from COVID-19 recovery efforts to voting rights legislation. She’s taken on more responsibility in international affairs as well, representing the U.S. at diplomatic summits and meetings with foreign leaders (Merica). Her influence and leadership within the administration have grown, showing that she’s ready for whatever might come next.

Potential President: What’s Next?

As we look toward 2024, Kamala Harris stands on the cusp of another major milestone. With President Biden’s age and speculation about his political future, many see Harris as the obvious successor. Her career has been defined by breaking barriers and setting precedents. If anyone is prepared to take on the monumental task of leading the country, it’s Kamala Harris.

Her journey from a young prosecutor in California to a potential presidential candidate is a testament to her grit, intelligence, and commitment to justice. Kamala Harris has consistently shown that she’s ready for each new challenge, and whether or not she runs in 2024, she’s already cemented her place in history.

Works Cited

"Kamala Harris’s Prosecutorial Record." The New York Times, 9 Aug. 2020, www.nytimes.com/2020/08/09/us/politics/kamala-harris-prosecutor.html.

Medina, Jennifer, and Mitch Smith. "Kamala Harris’s Road to the White House." The New York Times, 8 Aug. 2020, www.nytimes.com/2020/08/08/us/politics/kamala-harris.html.

Merica, Dan. "Vice President Kamala Harris Takes Center Stage on National and Global Issues." CNN, 20 Jan. 2022, www.cnn.com/2022/01/20/politics/kamala-harris-vp-role/index.html.

"Vice President Kamala Harris." The White House, www.whitehouse.gov/administration/vice-president-harris/.